JP4163102B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine, a pachinko gaming machine, and the like, which relates to a game machine that outputs a signal that can be recognized by a gaming store as to whether there is a possibility of fraud based on a signal output from the gaming machine.

  A slot machine generally includes a variable display device having a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are drawn on the outer periphery, and a winning combination corresponding to a display mode occurs when rotation of each reel is stopped. Is. Then, medals are paid out to the player according to the type of winning combination. In the pachinko gaming machine, the game balls launched on the board are awarded to the winning opening, so that the game balls are paid out to the player.

  Here, a player will play a game aiming to acquire as many medals and game balls as possible, but the medal and game balls paid out to the player are valuable values that can be exchanged for products at the game store. It has the side. For this reason, there may be a player who tries to acquire a medal or a game ball by performing an illegal operation different from the operation that is supposed to be performed by the player on the slot machine or the pachinko gaming machine. Thus, in slot machines and pachinko gaming machines, there is a possibility that unauthorized operations are performed. Various illegal operations are assumed, but when there is a possibility that an illegal operation has been performed, it is necessary to make it possible for an amusement store to recognize it at an early stage.

  There is a gaming machine that detects an unauthorized modification of a game control program and outputs a signal to that effect to the outside as a technique for notifying a game store when a fraud is made (for example, a patent) Reference 1). In addition, there is a gaming machine that detects a payout abnormality of a game ball and outputs a signal indicating the fact to the outside (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In addition, there is a gaming machine that outputs information indicating the number of game balls to be paid out by winning or the like and information indicating the ball of the gaming machine actually paid out to the outside (for example, see Patent Document 3).

JP-A-10-263182 JP 2002-28328 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-236211

  However, all of the gaming machines described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 output a signal to the outside of the gaming machine when an abnormality directly related to the unauthorized operation occurs, and the unauthorized operation is performed. Only when it is certain that the game is known, the amusement store was able to recognize that fact.

  By the way, in the slot machine, in order for each winning combination to occur, it is necessary to win an internal lottery usually performed when operating the start lever, and to set the winning flag for each winning combination. Pachinko machines are variably displayed on a variable display device, and when a big game is made in a special game that determines whether or not to give a predetermined game value based on the display result finally derived and displayed, By controlling the winning opening (attacker) to be in an open state intermittently for a certain period of time, it is controlled to a specific gaming state in which winning of a game ball is facilitated. The winning probability of the internal lottery in the slot machine and the jackpot probability in the pachinko gaming machine can be individually changed by changing a stage called a set value in the game store. The change of the set value is normally performed as a legitimate operation by the store clerk of the game shop, but it is not impossible for the player to perform the change operation of the set value illegally.

  Also, a setting switch for changing the setting value and a setting key and a power switch for enabling the setting value to be changed are provided inside the slot machine or pachinko gaming machine with the front door open. . Further, a control unit including a ROM storing a game control program and a device for storing and paying out medals and game balls are also provided inside the front door. The opening of the front door is normally performed by a store clerk as required, but it is not impossible for the player to open the front door illegally.

  In addition, since slot machines and pachinko machines include parts that operate mechanically and electrically, defects may occur in their operating states. Such malfunctions occur in irregular states such as defective parts or excessive dirt, but a player who attempted to acquire a large number of medals and game balls performed unauthorized operations on the machine. It may be caused by this. In conventional slot machines and pachinko machines, if it cannot always be determined that fraud has occurred, even if it is actually fraudulent, I couldn't let the side recognize.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can recognize the possibility of fraud from the outside when there is a possibility that fraud has been performed even if it cannot be determined that fraud has been performed. To do.

In order to achieve the above object, a slot machine according to the first aspect of the present invention includes:
A gaming door (front door 302) is provided on the front side of the gaming machine and can be opened by releasing a predetermined locking device, and a player plays a predetermined game, A gaming machine (slot machine 1) that controls to an advantageous state advantageous to the player when the condition is satisfied,
Permission operation detection means (step S101) for detecting that a predetermined setting permission operation means (setting key switch 92) has been operated;
When the permission operation detecting means detects an operation of the setting permission operation means, a predetermined rate is set for setting a payout rate indicating the ratio of the valuable value given to the player with respect to the valuable value input by the player. A stage setting period start means (step S101 (YES)) for starting a stage setting period that enables selection and setting of any stage from a plurality of stages (setting values 1 to 6);
Stage setting means for selecting and setting any stage from the plurality of stages by operating a predetermined stage setting operation means (setting switch 91) in the stage setting period;
Error detecting means (step S302) for detecting that an error state (E-3 to E-8) that occurs when a malfunction occurs in the operating state of the gaming machine;
An error occurrence notifying means (step S301) for notifying the occurrence of the error state to the notifying means (game number display section 22) provided in the gaming machine when the error detecting means detects the occurrence of the error state; ,
Disabling processing means (steps S304, S305) for disabling the progress of the game when the error detecting means detects the occurrence of the error state;
When the progress of the game is disabled by the disabling processing means, predetermined releasing measures including operation of predetermined error state releasing operation means (first reset switch 48, second reset switch 93) are taken. when the error state is released by, and activation means for activating the progression of the game (step S305 (YES)),
Predetermined power-on operation means for storing game data indicating the progress of a game in the gaming machine even after the power of the gaming machine is cut off, and operable by opening the gaming door when at the time when the power supply of the game machine is turned by (main switch 94) is operated the permitted operation detecting means detects the operation of the setting permission operation means, said step setting period is started and a game data storage means whether the game data stored is a normal data are initialized without being determined (RAM 112) after the,
The setting permission operation means, the stage setting operation means, and the error state release operation means can be operated by opening the gaming door,
The gaming machine is
Door opening detection means (door opening sensor 85) for detecting that the gaming door is in an open state;
Detection signal output means (external output terminal 152) for outputting a predetermined detection signal (fraud possibility signal) to the outside of the gaming machine,
The error detection means is configured to detect the operation of the setting permission operation means when the permission operation detection means does not detect an operation of the setting permission operation means when the gaming machine is turned on by operating the power activation operation means. Determination means for determining whether or not the game data stored in the game data storage means is normal data (step S102) , and occurrence of the error state when the determination means determines that the data is abnormal data And means for detecting
The detection signal output means includes
A door opening detection signal output means for outputting the detection signal when the door opening detecting means detects that the gaming door is in an open state;
Permission operation detection signal output means for outputting the detection signal when the stage setting period is started by detecting the operation of the setting permission operation means by the permission operation detection means;
When the occurrence of predetermined error conditions that may defect occurs in due to the operating state to a manipulation of a plurality of types of error conditions the error detecting means has detected an error for outputting the detection signal detection signal output means (step S303) seen including,
The stage setting period start means is when the permission operation detection means detects an operation of the setting permission operation means when the power is turned on by operating the power-on operation means. A command for initializing data stored in the effect data storage means (RAM 122) provided in the effect control means (effect control board 102) for controlling the execution of the effect, and the power-on operation means is operated. When the gaming machine is powered on, if the permission operation detection means does not detect the operation of the setting permission operation means, the determination means determines that the data is abnormal and stores it in the game data storage means. An initialization command (initialization command) to be transmitted when stored data is initialized is stored in the game data storage Data stored in the stage to start the stage setting period and sent to the presentation control means before being initialized (step S101 (YES))
It is characterized by that.

In the gaming machine according to the first aspect described above, when the stage setting is changed by the stage setting means, the payout rate of the valuable value is changed. Is to be done. However, even if a person other than the store clerk of the game store, for example, a player performs a change operation of the setting of the stage, the ratio of the payout rate of the valuable value can be changed. Therefore, when the stage setting operation means is operated, fraud is not necessarily performed, but there is a possibility that fraud has been performed. Since the generally during the game store business hours do not change the stage settings, the operation of the stage setting operation means during business hours there is a high possibility of fraud.

Further, when the stage setting is changed by the stage setting means, the payout rate of the valuable value changes. When changing the setting at this stage, the stage setting period is started by operating the setting permission operating means. There is a need. The operation of the setting permission operation means is also normally performed by a store clerk at a game store, etc., but even if a person other than the store clerk of the game store, for example, a player operates the setting permission operation means, the stage setting period is set. You can start and change the stage settings. Generally, since the setting of the stage is not changed during the business hours of the amusement store, the operation of the setting permission operation means during the business hours is likely to be illegal. Accordingly, when the setting permission operation means is operated, fraud is not necessarily performed, but it may lead to an unauthorized change of setting. Here, when it is detected that the setting permission operation means has been operated, a detection signal is output to the outside. Therefore, by monitoring this detection signal from the outside, it is determined that fraud is necessarily performed. It becomes possible to recognize from the outside that there is a possibility of fraud even if it cannot be done, and it becomes possible to recognize that there is a high possibility of fraud especially when a detection signal is output during business hours.

In addition, when the stage setting is changed by the stage setting means, the payout rate of the valuable value changes. When changing the setting at this stage, the game door that is closed when the game is normally performed Must be opened. The opening operation of the game door is also normally performed by a store clerk of the game store, but it is not impossible for a person other than the store clerk of the game store, for example, a player to open the game door . Therefore, when a gaming door is opened, fraud is not necessarily performed, but it may lead to a change in setting at an unauthorized stage. In general, the stage setting is not changed during the business hours of the amusement store, so opening the game door during the business hours is likely to be fraudulent. Here, when it is detected that the game door has been opened, a detection signal is output to the outside. Therefore, by monitoring this detection signal from the outside, it cannot be determined that fraud is necessarily performed. Even in such a case, it is possible to recognize from the outside that there is a possibility of fraud, and particularly when a detection signal is output during business hours, it is possible to recognize that there is a high possibility of fraud.

  Furthermore, a detection signal is output to the outside when an error state occurs when a malfunction occurs in the operating state of the gaming machine. A malfunction in the operating state of the gaming machine occurs in an irregular state such as a defective part or excessive dirt, but the malfunction may occur due to an unauthorized operation performed by the player. For example, an error condition may occur due to detection by a payout sensor or malfunction (failure) when a game medium is not being paid out, but an unauthorized person attempts to pay out the game medium by forcibly rotating the hopper. An error condition also occurs when When there is a possibility of an unauthorized operation in which such an error state has occurred, a detection signal is output to the outside. Therefore, by monitoring this detection signal from the outside, it cannot always be determined that an unauthorized operation has been performed. Even in such a case, it becomes possible to recognize from the outside that there is a possibility of fraud.

The gaming machine according to the first aspect is
It may further comprise a game control means (control unit 110 of the game control board 101) that controls the progress of the game and changes the degree of advantage in the game according to the established condition. It may be possible to perform an operation by opening the gaming door.
In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to the second aspect of the present invention provides:
A gaming door (front door 302) is provided on the front side of the gaming machine and can be opened by releasing a predetermined locking device, and a player plays a predetermined game, A gaming machine (slot machine 1) that controls to an advantageous state advantageous to the player when the condition is satisfied,
Game control means (control unit 110 of the game control board 101) for controlling the progress of the game and changing the advantage in the game according to the established condition;
The game control means can be operated by opening the game door,
The gaming machine is
Door opening detection means (door opening sensor 85) for detecting that the gaming door is in an open state ;
When the door opening detection means detects that the game door is in an open state, further comprising a detection signal output means for outputting a predetermined detection signal (illegal potential signal) to the outside (external output terminal 152) It is characterized by that.

The gaming machine according to the first aspect further provided with a game control means, or in the gaming machine according to the second aspect , the game store clerk opens the game door as needed. , a person other than the clerk of the game store, for example, the player it is not impossible to open the game door. If the game door is opened, an illegal operation can be added to the internal game control means (for example, replacement of the ROM storing the program), but the game control means is not always correct even if the game door is opened. It does n’t mean that you ’re going to have to Here, when it is detected that the game door has been opened, a detection signal is output to the outside. Therefore, by monitoring this detection signal from the outside, it cannot be determined that fraud is necessarily performed. Even in such a case, it becomes possible to recognize from outside that there is a possibility of fraud.

The gaming machine according to the first aspect is
A game medium payout unit (hopper 80) for paying out a game medium (medal) stored when a predetermined condition is established in the progress of the game to the player may be further provided. The played gaming media may be one that can be removed by opening the gaming door.
In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to the third aspect of the present invention provides:
A gaming door (front door 302) is provided on the front side of the gaming machine and can be opened by releasing a predetermined locking device, and a player plays a predetermined game, A gaming machine (slot machine 1) that controls to an advantageous state advantageous to the player when the condition is satisfied,
A game medium payout means (hopper 80) for paying out a stored game medium (medal) to a player when a predetermined condition is established in the progress of the game ;
The game media stored in the game media payout means can be extracted by opening the game door,
The gaming machine is
Door opening detection means (door opening sensor 85) for detecting that the gaming door is in an open state ;
When the door opening detection means detects that the game door is in an open state, further comprising a detection signal output means for outputting a predetermined detection signal (illegal potential signal) to the outside (external output terminal 152) It is characterized by that.

The gaming machine according to the first aspect further provided with a game medium payout means, or the gaming machine according to the third aspect , the opening of the gaming door is performed by a store clerk as required. However, it is not impossible for a person other than the store clerk of the game store, for example, a player to open the game door . If the game door is opened, the game medium stored in the game medium payout means inside can be illegally extracted, but just because the game door is opened, the game medium is not necessarily illegally extracted. . Here, when it is detected that the game door has been opened, a detection signal is output to the outside. Therefore, by monitoring this detection signal from the outside, it cannot be determined that fraud is necessarily performed. Even in such a case, it becomes possible to recognize from outside that there is a possibility of fraud.

In the gaming machine according to the first to third aspects,
The detection signal output means may output a detection signal that is also used for a plurality of detections having different contents.

  Here, when an event for outputting a predetermined detection signal occurs, it is only necessary to output a combined detection signal, so that the number of parts (signal lines, output terminals, etc.) of the gaming machine can be reduced. In addition, since only one detection signal needs to be monitored externally, it becomes easy to monitor the detection signal from the outside.

The gaming machine according to the first to third aspects is as follows.
When an event that should output the predetermined detection signal occurs, an imaging unit that captures an image of the operator of the gaming machine may be provided. In this case,
The detection signal output means may output an image signal of an image taken by the imaging means as the predetermined detection signal.

  Here, when an event that should output a predetermined detection signal occurs, that is, when there is a possibility that an unauthorized operation has been performed, the image of the operator is captured and output to the outside as an image signal. When an external device that can recognize an image signal receives the image signal, it is possible to determine whether the operator has actually performed an unauthorized operation by specifying the operator from the image. In addition, if an illegal operation is performed, it is specified that the person who has taken the image and performed the fraud, so that a psychological fraud suppression effect can be achieved.

Incidentally, in the gaming machine that written to the first to third aspect, for example if the recognizes an output pattern of the external device legitimate operation detection signal when the at such, the actual output detection signal output By comparing the pattern with the recognized output pattern, it is possible to determine whether or not an illegal operation has been performed (performed).

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing the overall structure of the slot machine according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the front door of the slot machine of FIG. 1 is opened. The external housing of the slot machine 1 includes a rear housing 301 and a front door 302. The front door 302 can be opened by inserting a key into the locking device 19 and turning it clockwise to release the locking. The front door 302 is connected to the rear housing 301 by a hinge 300, and is opened when the claw 304a of the stopper 304 is detached from the hook 303 on the rear housing 302 side.

  The rear housing 301 is provided with a door opening sensor 85 that detects whether the front door 302 is in an open state based on whether the hook 303 is engaged with the claw 304 a of the stopper 304. On the upper front side of the slot machine 1 is a variable display comprising a display window provided on the front door 302 and a reel unit 3 which is housed in the rear housing 301 and is composed of three reels 3L, 3C and 3R. A device 2 is provided. The reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotated / stopped by driving the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR (see FIG. 3), respectively.

  On the outer periphery of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, there are a plurality of types such as “red 7”, “blue 7”, “BAR”, “JAC”, “watermelon”, “cherry”, and “bell” that can be distinguished from each other. 21 symbols are drawn in a predetermined order. In the left reel 3L, “red 7”, “blue 7”, and “BAR” are arranged one by one at equal intervals. The symbols drawn on the outer peripheries of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are displayed on the variable display device 2 in the upper, middle, and lower three stages. In the reel unit 3, reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, and 3SR (see FIG. 3) for detecting the reference positions of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and a reel lamp 3LP that irradiates light from the back surface. And are provided.

  Various display units are provided around the variable display device 2. Below the variable display device 2, a game number display unit 21, a credit display unit 22, and a payout display unit 23 are provided. The game number display unit 21 includes a game number display 51 (see FIG. 3) using a 7-segment display, and displays the number of games, the number of winnings, or the total number of payout medals when a big bonus or a regular bonus, which will be described later. Further, when an error state described later occurs, the type is displayed.

  The credit display unit 22 is constituted by a credit display 52 (see FIG. 3) using a 7-segment display, and displays the number of credits accumulated as data according to the number of inserted medals and the number of paid-out coins as will be described later. The payout display unit 23 is composed of a 7-segment display payout display 53 (see FIG. 3), and displays the number of medals to be paid out when winning is achieved.

  On the left side of the variable display device 2, a one-bet display unit 24, two-bet display units 25 and 26, and three-bet display units 27 and 28 are provided. One piece, two pieces, and three pieces bet display sections 24 to 28 correspond to lines activated according to the number of bets (1, 2, or 3) (hereinafter referred to as valid lines), respectively. When the three betting lamps 54 to 58 (see FIG. 3) are turned on, the active line in each game is shown to the player. The 1-sheet, 2-sheet, 3-sheet betting display sections 24 to 28 are also configured so that the 1-sheet, 2-sheet, 3-sheet betting lamps 54-58 are in a blinking state when a winning combination to be described later is made, The active line that won the combination to be described later is shown to the player.

  On the right side of the variable display device 2, an insertion instruction display unit 29, a start display unit 30, a weight display unit 31, a replay display unit 32, and a game over display unit 33 are provided. The insertion instruction display unit 29 indicates that a medal can be inserted by turning on the insertion instruction lamp 59 (see FIG. 3). The start display unit 30 indicates that the start lamp 60 (see FIG. 3) is turned on, so that the start can be started, that is, the operation of the start lever 11 can be accepted. The weight display unit 31 indicates that a weight to be described later is applied when the weight lamp 61 (see FIG. 3) is turned on. The replay display unit 32 indicates that a replay winning that will be described later has been made when the replay lamp 62 (see FIG. 3) is turned on. The game over display unit 33 indicates that the slot machine 1 has been stopped by turning on the game over lamp 63 (see FIG. 3).

  A liquid crystal display 4 is provided above the variable display device 2. The liquid crystal display 4 is attached to the back side of the front door 302. The liquid crystal display 4 displays various effect images according to the gaming state. Further, the liquid crystal display 4 can display various information directly or indirectly related to the game.

  A medal slot 13, a single BET button 14, a MAXBET button 15, and a checkout button 16 are provided on a horizontal surface of a trapezoidal portion provided below the variable display device 2. The BET button lamps 70a and 70b (see FIG. 3), which are turned on when the number of bets can be set from the credits (maximum 50) accumulated as data, are arranged inside the single BET button 14 and the MAX BET button 15. Has been.

  The medal insertion slot 13 is for a player to insert a medal from here, and when the insertion medal sensor 44 detects the insertion of a medal when the insertion instruction unit 29 is lit, the number of bets is set. Alternatively, credits are accumulated as data. The single BET button 14 and the MAX BET button 15 are buttons operated by the player when setting the number of bets (1, 3 respectively) from the credits accumulated as data. When it is detected by the sheet BET switch 45 (see FIG. 3) or the MAXBET switch 46 (see FIG. 3), the bet number from the credit is set. The settlement button 16 is a button for instructing to pay out credits. When an operation is detected by the settlement switch 47 (see FIG. 3), medals corresponding to the credits accumulated as data are paid out.

  A start lever 11 and stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are provided on the vertical surface of the trapezoidal portion. The start lever 11 is operated by the player when starting the game. When the operation is detected by the start switch 41 (see FIG. 3), the reel drive motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR are started to be driven. 3L, 3C, and 3R start to rotate.

  The stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are buttons that the player operates to stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R at a desired timing, respectively, and the operations are stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R (see FIG. 3). Is detected, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped. The fact that the operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R is possible is indicated to the player by turning on the operation effective lamps 63L, 63C, 63R (see FIG. 3) provided therein.

  Further, a panel that covers the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R is applied as the bonus notification section 36. The bonus notification unit 36 notifies the player that the bonus winning described later is possible when the bonus notification lamp 66 (see FIG. 3) is turned on. Further, on the right side of the stop button 12R, there is provided a medal clogging elimination button 18 that mechanically vibrates the slot machine 1 when a medal is jammed.

  On the lower front side of the slot machine 1, a medal payout port 71 and a medal storage tray 72 are provided. The medal payout port 71 discharges medals paid out by the hopper 80 (see FIG. 3) to the outside. The medal storage tray 72 is for storing paid-out medals. The front panel on the medal storage tray 72 is irradiated with light emitted from the fluorescent lamp 6 (see FIG. 3) installed therein.

  Speakers 7U, 7L, and 7R are provided as rendering means on the lower front side of the slot machine 1 and on the left and right sides of the upper front side, respectively. The speakers 7U, 7L, and 7R output sound effects at the time of winning and bonus entry, output of alarm sound at the time of abnormality, and output of sound for various effects according to the gaming state.

  Further, on the front side of the slot machine 1, an effect by light is performed by light emission of game effect lamps 75 </ b> A to 75 </ b> M (see FIG. 3) as effect means so as to surround the variable display device 2 and the liquid crystal display 4. Game effect display sections 5A to 5M are provided. The game effect display units 5A to 5M perform effects by light in various patterns according to the progress of the game. Note that the light emission colors of the game effect display units 5A to 5M may be either single colors or multiple colors.

  Further, in the rear case 301 of the slot machine 1, a winning probability for an internal lottery to be described later is set, and the setting value (setting 1 to setting 6) of the medal payout rate calculated based on this is changed. Setting switch 91 for setting, setting key switch 92 for enabling the operation of setting switch 91 by unlocking operation, second reset switch 93 for resetting the internal state (RAM 112 (see FIG. 3)), and power ON / OFF A power supply unit 9 including a main switch 94 that performs switching is provided. Also, a first reset switch 48 (see FIG. 3) having the same function as the second reset switch 93 is provided at a position corresponding to the locking device 19 on the back side of the front door 301.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit of the slot machine 1. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the slot machine 1 is roughly divided into a power supply board 100, a game control board 101, an effect control board 102, a reel relay board 103, a reel lamp relay board 104, and an external output board 105. .

  The power supply board 100 transforms an external power supply voltage of AC 100V and supplies operating power to the game control board 101 and other parts of the slot machine 1. In FIG. 3, only the game control board 101, the hopper 80, and the switches 91 to 94 are connected. However, the power supply board 101 also supplies power to other units. The power supply board 100 is provided in the slot machine 1 and is connected to a hopper 80 that includes a hopper motor 82 that performs a medal payout operation and a payout sensor 81 that detects a medal payout operation.

  Detection signals from the setting switch 91, the setting key switch 92, the second reset switch 93, and the main switch 94 connected to the power supply board 100 are input to the control unit 110 of the game control board 101. Also, these detection signals are output to the external output board 105 as they are by the wiring formed from the game control board 101 to the external output board 105 via the reel relay board 103.

  The game control board 101 is a control board on the main side that controls the overall flow of the game in the slot machine 1, and includes a control unit 110 including a CPU 111, a RAM 112, a ROM 113, and an I / O port 114. It is installed. A random number generation circuit 115, a sampling circuit 116, and other circuits are mounted.

  The CPU 111 has an interrupt function such as a timekeeping function and a timer interrupt, executes a program stored in the ROM 113 to perform processing related to the progress of the game, and directly or indirectly controls each part of the control circuit in the slot machine 1. To control. The CPU 111 also detects an error state by executing a program, and outputs a predetermined error signal to the external output board 105 when a predetermined error state described later is detected.

  The RAM 112 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes a program. The ROM 113 stores programs executed by the CPU 111 and fixed data. The I / O port 114 inputs and outputs control signals to and from each circuit connected to the game control board 101.

  The random number generation circuit 115 is constituted by a counter that counts up and updates the value every time the system clock generates a predetermined number of pulses, for example, and the sampling circuit 116 acquires the numerical value counted by the random number generation circuit 115. . The random number generation circuit 115 is provided for each type of random number used for the progress of the game, and a range of numerical values to be counted for each type of random number is determined. The CPU 111 sends an instruction to the sampling circuit 116 according to the processing to acquire the numerical value indicated by the random number generation circuit 115 as a random number (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a hardware random number function).

  The CPU 111 also has a function of updating the numerical value of the specific address in the RAM 112 by timer interrupt processing and acquiring the updated numerical value as a random number (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a software random number function). The CPU 111 transmits various commands to the effect control board 102 via the I / O port 114 and outputs various signals to the external output board 105 via the reel relay board 103. Information (command, signal) is sent from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 and the external output board 105 in only one direction, and information (command, signal) is sent from the effect control board 102 and the external output board 105 to the game control board 101. Signal) is not sent.

  Connected to the game control board 101 are a single BET switch 45, a MAXBET switch 46, a start switch 41, stop switches 42L, 42C, 42R, a settlement switch 47, a first reset switch 48, and a throw-in medal sensor 44. Detection signals from the switches / sensors are input. In addition, detection signals of the reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, and 3SR are input via the reel relay substrate 103. In accordance with the detection signals of these switches / sensors input via the I / O port 114 or the detection signals of various switches input via the power supply board 100 as described above, the CPU 111 on the game control board 101 Processing is in progress.

  The game control board 101 also includes a flow path switching solenoid 49, a game number display 51, a credit display 52, a payout display 53, a loading instruction lamp 59, a single betting lamp 54, two betting lamps 55, 56, Three betting lamps 57 and 58, a game over lamp 63, a start lamp 60, a replay lamp 62, BET button lamps 70a and 70b, and operation valid lamps 63L, 63C, and 63R are connected, and the CPU 111 follows the progress of the game. These operations are controlled.

  The game control board 101 is connected to reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR via a reel relay board 103. The CPU 111 refers to the reel control table corresponding to the gaming state in the ROM 113, controls the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3ML via the reel relay board 103, and stops the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  The effect control board 102 is a sub-side control board that controls the execution of effects in the slot machine 1, and is equipped with a control unit 120 including a one-chip microcomputer including a CPU 121, a RAM 122, a ROM 123, and an I / O port 124. Yes. In addition, the random number generation circuit 125 and the sampling circuit 126 are mounted, and the CPU 121 obtains the value counted by the random number generation circuit 125 by the sampling circuit 126, so that the hardware random number function similar to that of the game control board 101 is obtained. Is forming. It also has a software random number function by interrupt processing.

  The CPU 121 executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 123 to perform processing related to the execution of the effect, and controls each circuit in the effect control board 102 and each circuit connected thereto. The performance is executed based on a command received from the game control board 101 via the buffer circuit 127 and the I / O port 124. The RAM 122 is used as a work area when the CPU 121 executes a program. The ROM 123 stores programs executed by the CPU 121 and fixed data. The I / O port 124 inputs and outputs control signals to and from each circuit connected to the effect control board 102.

  The effect control board 102 is connected with game effect lamps 75A to 75M, a liquid crystal display 4, speakers 7L, 7R, and 7U, a fluorescent lamp 6, a weight lamp 61, and a bonus notification lamp 66. A reel lamp 3LP is connected via a reel lamp relay substrate 104. The control unit of the effect control board 102 performs these effects by controlling these parts.

  The reel relay board 103 relays between the game control board 101, the external output board 105 and the reel unit 3. The reel relay substrate 103 is also connected with a full sensor 90, and its detection signal is input. The full tank sensor 90 is provided inside the slot machine 1 and detects that the medals in the overflow tank storing the medals overflowed from the hopper 80 are full.

  The reel lamp relay board 104 relays between the effect control board 102 and the reel unit 3. The external output board 105 is connected to an external device such as a hall management computer and receives a big bonus medium signal, regular bonus medium signal, reel control signal, stop signal input from the game control board 101 via the reel relay board 103. The switch signal, medal IN signal, medal OUT signal, and fraud possibility signal are output to the external device. The detection signal of the door opening sensor 85 is output to the external output board 105 as it is.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the external output board 105 in detail. The external output board 105 has output terminals 151 and 152. The signals input from the game control board 101 via the reel relay board 103 and output to the outside of the external output board 105 include a big bonus medium signal, a regular bonus medium signal, a reel control signal, a stop switch signal, and a medal IN signal. , A medal OUT signal, and a fraud possibility signal. Among these, only the fraud possibility signal is output from the external output terminal 152, and the other is output from the external output terminal 151.

  The big bonus medium signal, regular bonus medium signal, reel control signal, stop switch signal, medal IN signal, and medal OUT signal are signals output by the CPU 111 when the corresponding event occurs, and each is a separate signal. The data is output from the external output terminal 151 to the external device.

  The setting key operation signal output from the inversion detection circuit 154 when the detection signal of the setting key switch 92 is inverted, the detection signals of the door opening sensor 85, the setting switch 91, and the main switch 94, and a predetermined error described later. The predetermined error signal output from the CPU 111 when the state occurs is logically ORed by the OR circuit 153 and output from the external output terminal 152 to the external device as a fraud possibility signal that is also used for the plurality of detection results. . That is, the fraud possibility signal is output to the external device when an operation related to the change of the set value is performed) or when a predetermined error state caused by a malfunction occurs.

  Next, an error state in the slot machine 1 including a predetermined error state that generates a predetermined error signal will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the types of error states in the slot machine 1. As shown in the figure, the error states in the slot machine 1 include eight types of error states E-1 to E-8 as shown in FIG. These error states are canceled by performing the measures shown in FIG. 5 as the cancel method, but error processing described later is performed until the measures are performed. The type of error state is displayed and displayed on the game number display unit 22.

  Among the error states E-1 to E-8, the error states E-1 and E-2 are error states that occur even if the operation state of the slot machine 1 itself is not defective. On the other hand, the error states from E-3 to E-8 are error states that occur when a failure occurs in the operating state of the slot machine 1 due to an irregular state such as a defective component or excessive dirt. An error state from E-3 to E-8 caused by such a defective operation state becomes a predetermined error state for outputting a predetermined error signal.

  By the way, the error states of E-1 and E-2 occur even if there is no malfunction in the normal state, so the occurrence frequency is relatively high when the game is progressing normally. . This has been verified by simulation tests. On the other hand, the error states E-3 to E-8 occur when a failure occurs in the operation state in an irregular state, and thus occur when the game is proceeding normally. Less frequent. This is also verified by simulation tests.

  The game in the slot machine 1 progresses by repeating the game once, but each time the player sets a bet number of 1 to 3 (when the player replays in the previous game, The bet number is automatically set), and when the reels 3L, 3C, 3R of the variable display device 2 are stopped and the display result is derived and displayed, it is on the active line corresponding to the bet number If a predetermined pattern is ready, it becomes a prize and ends. In order for a winning to occur, the internal winning flag of the combination needs to be set, and details thereof will be described later. When winning a prize, the number of medals corresponding to the type is paid out (except for replay), and the gaming state may be changed in accordance with the winning.

  In a normal gaming state, when, for example, three “BARs” are arranged on an active line corresponding to the number of bets, the gaming state shifts to a regular bonus. The regular bonus is a game called a regular bonus game (JAC game) that is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 12 times) or a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times) ("JAC" is displayed on the active line). Complete: JAC prize).

  When, for example, three “Red 7” or three “Blue 7” are arranged on the active line corresponding to the bet number, the gaming state shifts to a big bonus. In the big bonus, a game called a small role game can be played. In this small role game, “JAC” is arranged on the active line with a relatively high probability (JACIN), and when the JACIN is made, the above-described regular bonus (JAC game) is provided. The big bonus ends when the number of medals paid out to the player during the period reaches a specified number (however, more than the number of medals paid out in the regular bonus). Note that the term “bonus” simply includes both a big bonus and a regular bonus.

  Also, in games other than the regular bonus game or JAC game, if “watermelon” or “bell” is aligned on the active line, or if “cherry” appears on the left reel 3L, a small role prize is awarded. . Except for the small role games, JAC games, and regular bonus games that are offered during the big bonus period, if "JAC" is on the active line, it will be replayed and the same number of bets will be automatically set in the next game. Is done.

  Next, the internal lottery will be described. The internal lottery is to determine whether or not the winning for each of the above-mentioned winning combinations is permitted before the display result is derived and displayed on the variable display device 2 (actually, when the start lever 11 is operated) The internal lottery random number acquired using the hardware random number function every time, the set value set by the setting switch 91, the bet number set by the player, and the winning prepared in the ROM 113 based on the current gaming state This is performed by the CPU 111 by referring to the determination table. Winning in the internal lottery is exclusive, and a plurality of winnings are not won simultaneously in one game.

  When a winning combination is won in the internal lottery, a winning flag corresponding to the winning combination is set in the game. If the winning flag is set, the winning combination can be won. Here, the winning flags of JACIN and JAC (hereinafter referred to as “small roles”) in various small roles, replays, and bonuses are erased at the end of each game and will not be carried over to the next game. If the bonus is not won in the game, it is carried over from the next game onward.

  As described above, if the set values set by the setting switch 91 are different, different winning determination tables are referred to, so that the winning probabilities of the respective combinations in the internal lottery are different. In other words, the winning probability of each combination in the internal lottery can be varied by changing the set value. The set value is set to any one of 1 to 6, but the higher the set value, the higher the winning probability of each combination. Next, the change of the set value will be described.

  In order to change the setting value, it is necessary to turn on the power of the slot machine 1 with the main switch 94 after the setting key switch 92 is turned on (the state where the unlocking operation is performed). When the power is turned on without setting key switch 92 turned on, if the data in RAM 112 is normal, it returns to the state before the power is turned off. However, if the data in RAM 112 is broken and cannot be restored to the state before the power is turned off. The RAM 112 is cleared, the set value is set to 1, and an initialization command is sent to the effect control board 102.

  When the setting key switch 92 is turned on and the power is turned on, the setting value can be changed. Also at this time, an initialization command is sent from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102. When the setting switch 91 is operated during a period during which the setting value can be changed, the setting value is updated by 1 (when the operation is further performed from the setting 6, the setting is returned to the setting 1). When the setting key switch 92 is turned off after the start lever 11 is operated, the change of the setting value is confirmed and stored in the setting value storage area of the RAM 112.

  In order to change the setting value as described above, it is necessary to unlock the locking device 19 to open the front door 302 and to unlock the setting key switch 92. It can only be done by the store clerk. However, since the setting value can be changed if the same operation is performed even if it is not a store clerk of the game store, it is said that an illegal operation was performed by the player when the setting value was changed. There is a possibility. Even when the front door 302 is opened in the previous stage, or when the setting key switch 92 is operated or the main switch 94 is turned on, there is a possibility that an unauthorized operation has been performed. Accordingly, when the front door 302 is opened, or when the setting key switch 92 is operated or the main switch 94 is turned on, the fraud possibility signal is output from the external output board 105. is there.

  The operation in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described below. The operation of the slot machine 1 starts when the power is turned on by turning on the main switch 94, and special processing is performed when the power is turned on, and the setting value can be changed.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 when the power is turned on. When the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on, it is first determined whether or not the setting key switch 92 is operated by key operation and is in an ON state (unlocked state) (step S101). If the setting key switch 92 is in the OFF state (locked state), it is determined whether the data in the RAM 112 is not broken and is in a normal state (step S102). If the RAM 112 is in a normal state, the state returns to the state before the power is shut off, and the game process is started.

  If the data in the RAM 112 is broken, the RAM 112 is cleared. Further, 1 is stored in the cleared setting value storage area of the RAM 112 as an initial value of the setting value (step S103). Further, an initialization command is generated and transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S104). By transmitting this initialization command, the RAM 122 of the effect control board 102 is cleared. Then, a game process to be described later is started.

  If the setting key switch 92 is in the ON state, an initialization command is generated and transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S105). Even when the initialization command is transmitted, the RAM 122 of the effect control board 102 is cleared. Next, the set value stored in the set value storage area of the RAM 112 is read into a predetermined area, and the game number display unit 51 is controlled to display the set value on the game number display unit 21 (step S106).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the start lever 11 is operated (step S107). If the start lever 11 is not operated, the process proceeds to step S109 as it is. If the start lever 11 has been operated, it is determined whether or not the setting key switch 92 has been turned off (step S108). If the setting key switch 92 is not turned off, the process proceeds to step S109.

  In step S109, it is determined whether the setting switch 91 has been operated. If the setting switch 91 has not been operated, the process returns to step S106. If the setting switch 91 is operated, the set value is incremented by 1 (step S110), and it is determined whether or not the addition result is 7 (step S111). If the added result is not 7, the process returns to step S106 as it is. If the result of addition is 7, the set value is returned to the initial value 1 (step S112), and the process returns to step S106. When the setting value is updated in this way and the process returns to step S106, the updated setting value is displayed on the game number display unit 21.

  When the start lever 11 is operated in step S107 and the setting key switch 92 is turned off in step S108, a predetermined area other than the setting value storage area of the RAM 112 is cleared. Further, the set value is confirmed and stored in the set value storage area. Further, by controlling the game number display 51, the setting value displayed on the game number display unit 21 in step S106 is deleted (step S113). Then, the game processing described next is started.

  In this power-on process, if the setting key switch 92 is unlocked, the detection signal becomes active, but the key operation is changed from the locked state to the unlocked state to start the setting value changing operation. The setting key operation signal is output when the key operation is performed from the unlocked state to the locked state in order to end the setting value changing operation. Also, when the door opening sensor 85 detects the opening of the front door 302, when the main switch 94 is turned on, and when the setting switch 92 is operated, the respective detection signals are output, A fraud possibility signal is output from the output terminal 152. That is, each time an individual operation in a series of operations for changing the set value is performed, the fraud possibility signal is output.

  When the process at the time of power-on is completed and the state before the power-off is restored or the game is started, the process for each game is repeated. In the following description, the term “game” means, in a narrow sense, from the operation of the start lever 11 until the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped. However, when a game is played, the number of bets before the operation of the start lever 11 is set, and medals are paid out and the game state is shifted after the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped. Is also included in the “game” in a broad sense.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing for one game executed by the CPU 111 of the game control board 101. This process is also executed after the power is turned on and a predetermined boot process is performed, or immediately after the setting is changed by operating the setting switch 91. When the process of one game is started, first, an initial process including a process of clearing a predetermined area of the RAM 112 is performed (step S201).

  Next, the number of bets is set by operating one BET button 14 or MAXBET button 15 or by inserting medals from the medal insertion slot 13, and operating the start lever 11 to substantially change the game. BET processing for instructing start is performed (step S202). However, if the player has won a replay in the previous game, the same number of bets as the previous game are automatically set by the replay flag (the replay flag is erased at this stage), so the start lever 11 is operated as it is. You can tell the start of the game.

  When the bet number is set by the BET process and the start lever 11 is operated, a random number for internal lottery is extracted, and it is determined whether or not the winning of each above-described combination is permitted based on the extracted random number value. A lottery process is performed (step S203). In this lottery process, a winning flag is set in the RAM 112 based on each lottery result.

  When the lottery process is completed, a reel fluctuation start process is performed (step S204). In the reel fluctuation start process, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R in the previous game are processed on the condition that a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed from the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR are driven to start rotation of all the left, middle, and right reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. Thereby, the symbols are variably displayed on the variable display device 2. Here, when a predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of rotation in the previous game, the rotation is awaited for rotation, and the weight display unit 31 is notified by lighting the weight lamp 61. Also, the timing of one game timer for the next game is started.

  Thereafter, reel fluctuation stop processing is performed (step S205). In the reel fluctuation stop process, after a predetermined condition is established from the start of reel rotation (the reference position is detected by the reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, 3SR after the rotation speed reaches a certain speed), the stop buttons 12L, 12C , 12R are enabled, and each is operated by the player, thereby stopping the driving of the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR and stopping the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R according to the setting state of the winning flag. At the same time, a reel stop command is transmitted to the effect control board 102. Further, when the elapsed time after the predetermined condition is satisfied reaches a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), the driving of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is forcibly stopped.

  When the driving of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, in the display mode at the time of stopping, is any of the above-mentioned role symbols derived and displayed on the active line corresponding to the bet number set in the BET process in step S2 A winning determination process for determining whether or not is performed (step S206). If it is determined in this winning determination process that any of the winning combinations has been won, various processes (including a process for setting the number of payouts and a bonus starting process) corresponding to the winnings generated on the game control board 101 are performed. .

  When the winning determination process ends, a payout process is performed (step S207). In the payout process, the credit is increased by the number of payouts set in the winning determination process. However, when the number of credits accumulated as data reaches 50, the hopper motor 82 is driven to pay out an excess number of medals from the medal payout slot 71. In addition, various processes not related to winning (including processes related to erasing winning flags other than bonus winning flags and ending bonuses) are also performed. Then, the process for one game ends, and the process for the next one game starts.

  In such a game process, the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 checks whether various error states shown in FIG. 5 have occurred. For example, in the winning determination process, it is determined whether or not a symbol for a role for which no winning flag is set is aligned on the active line, and a symbol for a symbol for which the winning flag is not set is aligned on the active line Performs error processing. In addition, the rotational speeds of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are checked in parallel with the processing of FIG. 7. If the rotational speed is abnormal and does not return even after retrying, error processing is performed. In addition, the same check is performed for each type of error state shown in FIG. 5 to perform error processing.

  When an error state is detected, the CPU 111 performs the following error processing regardless of the type of error state that has occurred. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing error processing performed by the CPU 111 when an error state occurs. In the error process, first, the game number display 52 is controlled to display the type of the error state that has occurred on the game number display unit 22 (step S301).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the type of error state that has occurred is a predetermined error state defined by E-3 to E-8 (step S302). If the generated error state is a predetermined error state defined in E-3 to E-8, a predetermined error signal is output (step S303), and the process proceeds to step S304. If the error state that has occurred is an error state determined by E-1 or E-2, the process proceeds directly to step S304.

  In step S304, it is checked whether the error cancellation measure shown in FIG. 5 has been taken for the error state that has occurred. As a result, it is determined whether or not the error state has been canceled (step S305). If the error state has not been released, the process returns to step S304, and the error release measure check is continued. If the error state is cancelled, the error process is ended and the game process shown in FIG. 7 is started again.

  The CPU 111 of the game control board 101 transmits various commands (including commands corresponding to the progress of the game) to the effect control board 102 as necessary while performing the above-described processes. On the other hand, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 performs an original effect based on the command received from the game control board 101. Of course, the rendering process performed by the CPU 121 of the rendering control board 102 is not directly related to the present invention, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, when the setting switch 91 is operated to increase the set value, the winning probability of the internal lottery increases, and the number of medals inserted by the player is increased. The payout rate indicating the number of medals to be paid out increases. The operation for changing the set value is normally performed by a store clerk at the amusement store, but even if a player other than the store clerk at the amusement store changes the set value, the set value is changed. The medal payout rate can be changed. Therefore, the operation of the setting switch 91 does not necessarily mean that the fraud has been performed, but there is a possibility that the setting switch 91 has been illegally operated by a player other than the store clerk of the game store.

  Here, since the detection signal of the setting switch 91 is output from the game control board 101 to the external control board 105 and input to the OR circuit 153, an illegality possibility signal is output to the external device when the setting switch 91 is operated. The Rukoto. In the game store, by monitoring the possibility of fraud output from the external device, it is possible to recognize from the outside that there is a possibility that the setting switch 91 cannot be determined to have been manipulated illegally. become able to.

  In order to operate the setting switch 91 to change the setting value, it is necessary to open the front door 302 and turn on the setting key switch 92 and then turn on the main switch 94. The operation of this procedure is also legitimately performed when a store clerk or the like of the amusement store changes the set value. However, when a player other than the store clerk of the game store attempts to change the set value illegally, the same procedure is required. Therefore, when an operation of this procedure is performed, an illegal setting value changing operation is not necessarily performed, but there is a possibility that an illegal setting value changing operation is performed.

  Furthermore, when the front door 302 is opened, not only the setting value is illegally changed, but also the ROM 113 mounted on the game control board 101 is illegally replaced, or the medal stored in the hopper 80 is illegally extracted. It will be possible. Furthermore, it becomes possible to illegally add work to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R constituting the variable display device 2. The front door 302 is opened by a game store clerk as necessary, but there is a possibility that a player other than the game store clerk may open it for cheating.

  Here, when the front door 302 is opened, a fraud possibility signal is output from the external output terminal 152 to the external device by the detection signal of the door opening sensor 85. Further, when the detection signal of the setting key switch 92 is inverted, that is, when the setting key switch 92 changes from the locked state to the unlocked state, when it changes from the unlocked state to the locked state, or when the main switch 94 is turned on. In addition, when the door opening sensor 85 detects the opening of the front door 302, a fraud possibility signal is output from the external output terminal 152 to the external device.

  In an amusement store, by monitoring the possibility of fraud output from an external device, even if it cannot be determined that it is illegally operated by opening the front door 302, etc. Can be recognized from. In particular, the opening of the front door 302 is the first step performed in a series of steps when these frauds are performed, and therefore a fraud possibility signal is also output by the detection signal of the door opening sensor 85. Thus, the possibility of fraud can be detected at an early stage, and the effect of preventing fraud can be obtained.

  By the way, the setting value changing operation in the slot machine 1 is generally outside the business hours of the amusement store. Therefore, when the setting switch 91 is operated outside the business hours, the setting key switch 92 and the main switch 94 are operated, or the front door 302 is opened, there is a possibility that the setting value is changed illegally. Is expensive. Therefore, if a fraudulent possibility signal is output during the business hours of the amusement store, it can be recognized that the possibility of a fraudulent operation is high.

  In addition, there are eight types of error states E-1 to E-8 in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment. Of these, E-3 to E-8, which are caused by defective operation states, are included. When an error state occurs, a predetermined error signal is output from the CPU 111, and a fraud possibility signal is output from the external output terminal 152 to the external device. The error state from E-3 to E-8 occurs even if the game is played normally, but the occurrence frequency is low when the game is played normally, so it is caused by an illegal operation. There are often.

  The fraud possibility signal is also output when such an error state that is highly likely to be caused by an illegal operation occurs. For this reason, at the amusement store, it is impossible to conclude that the error state from E-3 to E-8 is caused by an illegal operation by monitoring the fraud possibility signal output from the external device. However, it is possible to recognize from the outside that it may have occurred due to an unauthorized operation. Moreover, since the frequency of occurrence of error states E-3 to E-8 is low in normal games, the possibility of fraud is rarely output due to an error state not caused by an unauthorized operation, which is troublesome for the game store. There are few cases where you feel it.

  Further, in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, from the external output terminal 152 of the external output board 105, operation of the setting switch 91, operation of the setting key switch 92, operation of the main switch 94, opening of the front door 302, Alternatively, the same fraud possibility signal is output when any of the occurrences of error states E-3 to E-8 occurs. As a result, the number of signal lines and external output terminals for outputting the fraud possibility signal to the outside can be minimized, and the cost can be reduced.

  In addition, since there is only one type of fraud possibility signal that must be monitored externally at the game store side, it is easy to monitor the fraud possibility signal. Since there is only one type of fraud possibility signal, it is not possible to identify the types of fraud that may have been done, but it is possible to fully recognize that there is a possibility that fraud has been done. Since only the slot machine 1 needs to be examined, there is no practical problem caused by using only one type of fraud possibility signal.

Furthermore, the setting value changing operation needs to be performed in accordance with a series of procedures including the operations in the previous stage and the subsequent stage, and an improperness signal is output each time the individual operation is performed. Here, the operation pattern in a series of procedures, when the store clerk of the amusement store legitimately changes the set value and when the player other than the store clerk performs the change operation of the set value illegally May be different, and the output pattern of the fraud possibility signal may be different. By monitoring up to the output pattern of the fraud possibility signal, it is possible to recognize not only that there is a possibility of fraud but also that the possibility is high.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. Hereinafter, modifications of the above-described embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described.

  In the above-described embodiment, when an error state from E-3 to E-8 caused by a failure in the operation state of the slot machine 1 occurs, the fraud possibility signal is output. Even if the error state E-2 occurred, the fraud possibility signal was not output. However, the E-2 error state is a gaming state that cannot occur many times in a short period of time, taking into consideration the percentage of winning and the percentage controlled by the bonus. Therefore, when the error state E-2 occurs repeatedly in a short period, the fraud possibility signal may be output in the same manner as when the error states E-3 to E-8 occur.

  In the above-described embodiment, any of the operations of the operation of the setting switch 91, the operation of the setting key switch 92, the operation of the main switch 94, the opening of the front door 302, or the occurrence of an error state from E-3 to E-8. When it occurs, it always outputs the possibility of fraud to an external device. However, especially when changing the set value, the operation pattern is different in terms of operation time, etc., depending on whether the store clerk at the amusement store performs legitimately or when a player other than the store clerk at the amusement store performs illegally. May be different.

  Therefore, an operation pattern when the store clerk of the amusement shop performs a proper operation or an operation pattern when a person other than the store clerk of the amusement store performs an illegal operation is stored in the RAM 112, and the CPU 111 When there is an operation 91, an operation of the setting key switch 92, an operation of the main switch 94, an opening operation of the front door 302, the operation pattern can be compared with the operation pattern stored in the RAM 112. Then, according to the comparison result, for example, when a legitimate operation pattern is stored, only when the comparison result does not match, and when an illegal operation pattern is stored, only when the comparison result is coincidence, the fraud possibility signal Can be output to an external device.

  By monitoring the fraud possibility signal output according to the comparison result with the operation pattern thus stored, it is possible to simply recognize that there is a possibility that fraud has been performed. Rather, it also becomes possible to recognize that there is a high possibility that fraud has been done. In addition, an operation pattern when an amusement shop clerk performs an appropriate operation on an external device, or an operation pattern when a person other than the amusement shop clerk performs an illegal operation (pattern of fraud possibility signal) is stored. You may keep it. In this case, the external device compares the fraud possibility signal output from the slot machine 1 with the stored operation pattern, and determines whether or not the fraudulent operation has been performed according to the comparison result. It is possible to output the result (only the possibility is high).

  In the above-described embodiment, any of the operations of the operation of the setting switch 91, the operation of the setting key switch 92, the operation of the main switch 94, the opening of the front door 302, or the occurrence of an error state from E-3 to E-8. When this occurs, the fraud possibility signal indicating that fact is simply output to the external device. In contrast, an imaging device that captures an operator's image is provided in the slot machine 1, and when an event that should output the fraud possibility signal described above occurs, the operator's image is captured by this imaging device. Also good. And it is good also as what outputs the image signal of the image | photographed image to an external device as a fraud possibility signal.

  In this case, when an event that should output a fraud possibility signal occurs, that is, when there is a possibility that a fraudulent operation has been performed, an image of the operator is taken and output to an external device. Therefore, it is possible to specify up to the operator who performed an illegal operation using the image. In particular, by outputting as a moving image, it can be used as a material for determining whether fraud has actually been performed. Thus, the operator who performed unauthorized operation by the image is specified, and the psychological fraud suppression effect can be obtained.

  In the above embodiment, when the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 detects the occurrence of a predetermined error state, the fraud possibility signal is output from the external output board 105 by the predetermined error signal. On the other hand, even when an error state occurs due to a defective operation state in the operation controlled by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102, a signal indicating that fact is output from the CPU 121 to the external output board 105, which can be illegal. The sex signal may be output to an external device. In this case, even when an illegal operation is performed only on the production on the production control board 102 side, the possibility can be recognized from the outside, and in particular, a stop for winning the winning combination inside This can be effective in preventing fraud in a slot machine that realizes a specific game state such as AT (Assist Time) for notifying the operation procedure of the buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R by the control on the effect control board 102 side.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the slot machine 1 has been described as an example. However, the present invention can also be applied to gaming machines other than slot machines such as pachinko gaming machines. In the case of a pachinko gaming machine, the probability of jackpot of the special game and the jackpot of the regular game is changed by the same set value as the slot machine 1 described above. Since the setting value change operation in the pachinko gaming machine can be performed in the same manner as in the slot machine 1, the fraud possibility signal at that time may be output in the same manner.

  Also in the pachinko gaming machine, there is an error state that occurs when a malfunction occurs in the operation state during the operation. Such an error state occurs only at a low frequency in a normal game, and often occurs due to an illegal operation of the player. As described above, even when an error state occurs in the pachinko gaming machine due to a defective operation state, the fraud possibility signal can be output to the outside as in the case of the slot machine 1.

  In addition, as such an error state, for example, the game ball won when the big hit control (attacker) which is in the open state by the big hit control when the big hit in the special figure game is not performed, It can be mentioned that the increase in the number of start times during normal times has continued for a certain period.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the overall structure of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view showing a state in which a front door of the slot machine of FIG. 1 is opened. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a control circuit of the slot machine of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the structure of the external output board | substrate of FIG. 3 in detail. It is a figure which shows the kind of error state in the slot machine concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the control part in a game control board performs at the time of power activation. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the control part in a game control board performs for every game. It is a flowchart which shows the error process which the control part in a game control board performs when an error state generate | occur | produces.

Explanation of symbols

1 slot machine 2 variable display device 91 setting switch 92 setting key switch 94 main switch 101 game control board 105 external output board

Claims (2)

Provided with a gaming door provided on the front side of the gaming machine that can be opened by releasing a predetermined locking device, and a player performs a predetermined game and a predetermined condition is established in the game Is a gaming machine that controls to an advantageous state advantageous to the player,
Permission operation detection means for detecting that a predetermined setting permission operation means has been operated; and
When the permission operation detecting means detects an operation of the setting permission operation means, a predetermined rate is set for setting a payout rate indicating the ratio of the valuable value given to the player with respect to the valuable value input by the player. A stage setting period starting means for starting a stage setting period that enables selection and setting of any stage from a plurality of stages;
Stage setting means for selecting and setting one of the stages by operating a predetermined stage setting operation means in the stage setting period;
An error detection means for detecting that an error state occurs when a failure occurs in the operating state of the gaming machine;
When the error detecting means detects the occurrence of the error state, an error occurrence notifying means for notifying the notifying means provided in the gaming machine of the occurrence of the error state;
Disabling processing means for disabling the progress of the game when the error detecting means detects the occurrence of the error state;
When the progress of the game is disabled by the disabling processing means, the game is performed when the error state is canceled by taking a predetermined canceling measure including an operation of a predetermined error state canceling operation means. and activation means for activating the progression of,
Predetermined power-on operation means for storing game data indicating the progress of a game in the gaming machine even after the power of the gaming machine is cut off, and operable by opening the gaming door Is stored after the stage setting period is started, when the permission operation detecting means detects the operation of the setting permission operation means when the gaming machine is turned on. Game data storage means that is initialized without determining whether or not the game data is normal data ,
The setting permission operation means, the stage setting operation means, and the error state release operation means can be operated by opening the gaming door,
The gaming machine is
Door opening detection means for detecting that the gaming door is in an open state;
Detection signal output means for outputting a predetermined detection signal to the outside of the gaming machine,
The error detection means is configured to detect the operation of the setting permission operation means when the permission operation detection means does not detect an operation of the setting permission operation means when the gaming machine is turned on by operating the power activation operation means. Determination means for determining whether or not the game data stored in the game data storage means is normal data, and means for detecting occurrence of the error state when the determination means determines that the data is abnormal data Including
The detection signal output means includes
A door opening detection signal output means for outputting the detection signal when the door opening detecting means detects that the gaming door is in an open state;
Permission operation detection signal output means for outputting the detection signal when the stage setting period is started by detecting the operation of the setting permission operation means by the permission operation detection means;
When the occurrence of predetermined error conditions that may defect occurs in due to the operating state to a manipulation of a plurality of types of error conditions the error detecting means has detected an error for outputting the detection signal look including a detection signal output means,
The stage setting period start means is when the permission operation detection means detects an operation of the setting permission operation means when the power is turned on by operating the power-on operation means. A command for initializing data stored in the effect data storage means provided in the effect control means for controlling the execution of the effect, and the power-on operation means is operated to turn on the gaming machine. When the permission operation detection means does not detect the operation of the setting permission operation means, the determination means determines that the data is abnormal and the data stored in the game data storage means is initialized. The initialization command to be transmitted in the case before the data stored in the game data storage means is initialized. Gaming machine, characterized in that to start the steps set period transmitted. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the detection signal output unit outputs a detection signal used for a plurality of detections having different contents.

Images